Tag Archives: Sierra Nevada

The valley of the Alpujarras is a must for the nature lover. It is located in the South of Spain . Nearby the Sierra Nevada. It is a region of the well known white mountain villages. While it is only two hours drive from Granada or Almeria . Two city who are worth a visit. In this area you find astonishing views on the peaks , the gorges, the waterfalls. Indeed, it is still the real rural Spain.

Trevelez

Alpujarra

The white little villages who are clinging to the mountains.Trevelez , well-known for his ham. More specifically , they dry in clean open air in the mountains. As a result , the sweet tasting dry cured ham. The way to the village is beautiful but narrow. Trevelez village is on the hill top. As a result, it is the highest village in Spain and Europe. it is located on 1476 meters high. Trevelez is most famous for is excellent Jamon. “Jamon de Trevelez” is world wide a synonym for quality. We bought a mouth watering ham to take back at home with us. Are you no convinced ? Then try it yourself at themany tapa bars in Trevelez. The Jamon are hanging from the ceiling. While your are in Trevelez do not stay in the most touristic section with bars, handicraft shops and BB . But take a walk to the highest part of the village too. It worth he climb. This climb leas you to old platform with splendid views over the valley and the village.

Jamon

Lanjaron

One of the nice village is Lanjaron.A white village but also a famous natural spring water, bottled in the mountains.Furthermore , not only the water of Lanjaron and the jam of Trevelez are famous, but also the wine.Throughout the surrounding hills, the vineyards surrounds you.

Alpujarras valley

Take the time to a nice trip to the narrow roads of the “Alpujarras” and admire the beauty of Andalousia.

Now, the white villages are the still the silence witness of the Moorish influence.In fact, the terraces with olives, chestnut , fig or pomegranate are beautiful. The water comes from the Sierra Nevada. in the present , it is even flowing trough the Moorish ancient systems. As a result, channels are running along and through the terraces and the white villages.

Alpujarras white village

Food in the Alpujarras.

The best is that the “Alpujarra ” food is local and traditional. As a result , it is fresh and comes directly from nature. Naturally it depends on the different season.

Jamon Alpurarras

For example, the dishes that we did like where the “conejo”. It is stewed rabbit in a tomato sauce.

There is also “Migas”. A sort of couscous. with a belly pork, beans, sausage, and spices.

The most famous and important of the Alpujarras is the Jamon. On particular, the ham is dried in open air, who comes from the cold Sierra Nevada mountain. So, try in the many bars and little restaurants an excellent plate of Trevelez Jamon.And do not forget the superb local figs, the tasty almonds,chestnut, the specific pomegranate, the olive, the cheeses and honey.

Hiking

If you are a hiker than you can discover the peaks of the Sierra Nevada National park. One excellent base is the white village of Trevelez. There is a good track leading from the village center into the mountains. Trevelez is also the start point from another nice walk to the ” Las Seite lagunas” Seven lakes in the Sierra.

Tips for trips

For instance, go visit Granada and the Alhambra. See our page on Granada.

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Almeria is a province in the south of Spain. In the North of the Costa Almeria is located the Costa Calida. South , the Costa del Sol.

Almeria

It is a popular place for a beautiful holiday. Even in the spring and in the autumn you can live outside. Most days are clear and sunny. And nearly no rainfall. The popular places are : the city of Almeria itself, Roquetas del Mar, Aqua Dulce, Vera, Mojacar, Aquillas.

Important, the Costa Almeria is the hottest place of Spain. But also the driest region of Spain. Even with several desserts. For example Dessert of Tabernas , very popular by movie makers.

Furthermore in this region is situated the Sierra Nevada. With the highest peak from Spain. More specific the “Mulhacen” at 3 478 meters. So, in this province you can go to the very best ski resorts in the morning and go to desert in the afternoon.

What to see in the region

Running along the Sierra Nevada are the valleys with the famous white villages. The valleys are known as the” Las Alpujarras”. Las Alpujararras are well worth a visit. It is the place to be for very spectacular panoramas and great walking routes.Granada is a nearby historical city.

Climate

With around 320 days of sun a year, Almeria is sure Spain’s sunniest place to be. The winters are very smooth, the temperature begins to rise around April. So Almeria is popular for an eastern vacation with an average temperature of 20 degrees. In the summer season the temperature is regular above the 30 degrees. Luckily, the Mediterranean Sea breezes is nice and cool.

Nature

Most important is the Sierra del Cabo de Gata. We love this place, it is a protected area. It is a volcanic Sierra or mountain. Full of sharp cliffs and narrow roads. We love the many hidden coves for snorkeling. We think it is one of the beautiful places of Spain. The waters are clear and the beaches sandy.

Almeria Cabo de Gata

Desert of Tabernas

The Tabernas desert is the setting for many famous western films. The most of the Spagetti Western films with Clint Eastwood were shot at the desert. To sum up : The good the bad and the ugly, A fistful of Dollars….. Spain was cheaper than the Usa. So in the desert of Tabernas you can find a theme park called ” Mini Hollywood. At this theme park you can see the original decor . Furthermore , you and the children can enjoy the gunfight and the western Shows.

And, Tabernas is also very popular for his excellent olive oil.

Almeria city

Is a nice city with an old history. The fortress of the Moors , the “Alcazaba” is very impressing. The city is also the capital of the province. For most tourist the city is the gateway to the other destinations. Due to the location of the international airport. We like the Alcazaba, because it is a large Islamic fort. Very beautiful restored with splendid views.

Almeria Alcazaba

The city also has it own harbor to Africa. The beach is nice and sandy.

There are many nice shops in the city.

Nearby in Roquetas del Mar is the well known shopping center ” Gran Plaza“.

Golf

For instance, there are excellent golf courses in this region. As often in Spain, the golf courses are built with luxury hotels and villa’s nearby. For example, the golf lovers, you can step out of your hotel into the golf resort. In the past, nine golf courses gave opened in the region. Indeed, it is an ideal location for a golf and spa break. Best is that the golf courses are cheaper than the more traditional golfing destinations of the Costa del Sol. Some say, that climate is the best for all year round golf. The best known is the ” Desert Springs” golf course with hotel and Spa. And the ” Valle de l’Este” golf resort.

House in the sun?

the good thing, the property prices are lower than the Costa del Sol. So, the Costa Almeria is growing as second home in the sun. The many urbanization’s are fast growing. For instance, popular places: Roquetas de Mar, Vera, Mojacar , Aguillas, Auqua Dulce…

Getting there

Many low-cost airlines go to Almeria International Airport. The best, the airport is a 10 km from the city .

So, the nearest beach resort is Aqua Dulce and Roquetas del Mar.

To end , there is much to explore at the Costa Almeria.

Tips for trips

First, Almeria city and the Moorish influence. Read about Almeria on our page.

The Granada and his superb Alhambra and the valleys of Alpurajas. See our page Granada.

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Granada City.

First of all Granada is situated in province of Andalusia. The city is 738 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.

Climate

Andalusia is a province in the south of Spain. The coast is the Costa del Sol or Sunny Coast. The summer season, can be very hot. The other seasons are warm with many day of sun. In fact, it has a Mediterranean climate. The weather is attractive for the many visitors during the all year.

Because of the heath most of the shops and museums are closed for the siesta. In Andalusia they like to take their siesta from 2 till 5 in the afternoon.

Sierra Nevada and Alhambra.

in fact the city is not only beautiful but also very interesting. From the heart of the city you can admire the tops op the mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

In fact, Granada has one of the most famous monuments of Spain, the Alhambra. After all, ‘The Alhambra’ is a gigantic historic palace full of remains of both Moorish and Catholic culture . The old town is one of the best preserved examples of Moorish city.

The older districts like the Albaicin and Alhambra are a tangle of narrow streets.

Furthermore, Granada is famous for its prestigious university : “Universidad de Granada”. Presently the city of Granada is an example of an old historic city who lives in the present with the many students. As a result that the new area’s are open and spacious . Although the past is still very much alive in Granada , the city is also very modern and trendy . The best is that the city preserves the Moorish past.

Alhambra.

One of my most favorite places is the Alhambra.

Granada Alhambra

In brief , the Alhambra is a highlight of the Moorish architecture. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Spain .

In fact , this beautiful building complex consists of three parts. This parts are the fortress, the royal palaces and the Summer Palace. Low down in the” Summer Palace” there are enchanting gardens : the “Generalife ” .

In front of the Alhambra is situated the Generalife . In the past it was the summer residence of the kings . Below the Generalife in the gardens there are many pools, fountains and the romantic patios who provide the necessary cooling . In front ,there is a ‘ mirador ‘ or viewpoint, which offers you a magnificent panorama after a small climb. .

Within the Alhambra , you will find an abundance of wonderful treasures. Highlights of the Alhambra is the “Mexuar”. This is the oldest part with a patio with impressive marble lion fountain . In fact, the buildings date from the 13th and 14th centuries. Afterwards they were further embellished by the successors of the Arabian monarchy.

Tickets

The Alhambra is on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Their fore only a certain number of visitors per day is allowed . So buy your ticket online.Tickets can be purchased on site. Additionally , the tickers give access to the entire domain. in brief , booking in advance is definitely necessary.

Albaicin .

Like wise, one other place I like is the old quarter of ” Albaicin.”

Granada Albaicin

In fact , “Albaicin” is the old Arabic quarter. In this part of Granada ,you can visit the finest examples of medieval Moorish houses .Side by side , on one of the hills is the “ Barrio of Albaicin “. There the visitor can see and visit the many white traditional buildings . Indeed, the white houses along the narrow streets have one thing in common. They all have charming courtyards with fountains, flowers and greenery. It is like a labyrinth. There you can feel the heart beat of Granada. At evening or at night you can enjoy a Flamenco show. It is sure a nice experience you will remember.

Initially the Moors lived here. Later on the Christians, Jews and Muslims. All lived together in harmony. From the hillside there is a splendid view of the Alhambra. And on the other side the Sierra Nevada in the distance. Splendid views of the two top attractions of the Granada region.

Cathedral of Granada.

Meanwhile our stay, we also visited the “ Cathedral of Granada”.

After all, this cathedral ( 1521 ) of Granada is in the heart of the city and is quite large. But it is hidden by the many surrounding buildings. In the past, the cathedral was and still is a masterpiece of Renaissance. Side by side there is the “Capilla Real” . This Royal Chapel is an impressive building nearby the cathedral.

Granada

This chapel is built-in the late Gothic style . Then next to the chapel is a small museum. In the museum there are several art collections. The visitor can see famous beautiful Flemish paintings.

“Federico Garcia Lorca Museum”.

In brief, Lorca (1898-1936) is one of the most famous inhabitants of Granada.

To sum up, he was an writer, an poet, an painter and an musician. The museum is the house of Lorca’s parents. He wrote some of his important works in this home. You can see original furniture, manuscript, photographs and compositions. During the Spanish Civil War, he was assassinated by a nationalist supporter of Franco.

Tips for trips

From Granada you can go visiting the Sierra Nevada. In winter it is even possible to go skiing. In summer it is an ideal place to go walking or hiking.

Alpujarras.

Another recommendable trip is to this valley near the Sierra Nevada. See our page Alpujarras. For me as a nature lover it is a must. There you can explore the “real “Spain.The white little villages who are clinging to the mountains.

Granada Alpujarras

White villages but also a famous natural spring water, bottled in the mountains.So, take a nice trip to the narrow roads of the “Alpujarras” and admire the beauty of Andalousia.

How to get there

The good thing , Granada is between two airport. First, the airport of Almeria : a hour and half drive. Second , the airport of Malaga. Also a hour and half drive from Granada.